Criminal Neglect

Criminal Neglect Statutory Information

Criminal neglect is considered a misdemeanor when an operator or caregiver neglects a vulnerable adult intentionally, or knowledgeably permits certain conditions to exist that lead to the neglect or abuse of a vulnerable adult.

Criminal neglect is considered a felony when an operator or caregiver intentionally deprives a vulnerable adult of necessary shelter, food, clothing, health care, or supervision, when the operator or caregiver is reasonably able to provide these provisions, particularly if:

The operator or caregiver has reason to know or knows that the deprivation could result in great or substantial bodily harm to the vulnerable adult

The operator or caregiver’s deprivation has occurred for an extended time period

If the offender’s conduct leads to great bodily harm to the vulnerable adult, penalties for criminal neglect include imprisonment of up to 10 years and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

If the offender’s conduct leads to substantial bodily harm to the vulnerable adult, penalties for criminal neglect include imprisonment of up to 5 years and/or a fine of up to $5,000.